Help! Drum tuning

[Executivos]

I just got a mapex v series drum set. My first kit. I was told that the snare drum head on it wasn't the best and that I should probably get a new one soon.

So I went to get a remo emperor (my friend recommended) and the guy at samash told me thats the worst choice and that I should buy this kevlar bear drum head because I like an open sound and thats a good lasting open sounding head.

He tuned it up for me but if that's what open sound is, then I don't want open sounding at all. It was like the exact opposite sound I'm looking for.

So I went to another guitar store and they sold me an aquarian studio x w/ power dot and they tuned it up really high. I think it sounded pretty good...I let a bit off the snares and it sounded like the snare of the first Specials record/other old ska snares and I liked it. Then I went to play it with the whole kit and it wasn't right. I had to hit it really hard to hear it and it was making me speed up for some reason, so now I'm back to the drawing board.

Honestly, the snare head on it when I got it was some remo import, and it sounded great and felt great. I do like a deeper fatter tone for what I play...I think the attack is more important then the sound...I like more of a loud pop.

Anyway here's a really short sample from a band called Midtown...I really like the snare sound.
http://members.aol.com/rbaker909/midtownsnare.mp3

If anyone has suggestions for drum heads/how to tune them/what to say when someone asks what kind of sound I like. I'd REALLY appreciate it.

[Rdub]

Here's an excellent resource.

Prof. Sound's Drum Tuning Bible